A group of violent alcoholics who kicked and punched a vulnerable grandfather for more than an HOUR in a row over some cider have been jailed for life.

Disabled Barry Shillam died in hospital from multiple organ failure and internal bleeding after the vicious attack last July in Smethwick, West Midlands.

Andrea Jones, 40, Gurminder Singh, 40, both from Smethwick, and 47-year-old John Scott, from Oldbury were found guilty of murder after a three week trial and will each serve a minimum of 15 years.

A court heard the group befriended Barry, 53, and invited him back to Jones’ flat for a drinking session.

But they turned violent after discovering their victim had drank cider belonging to one of them.

Detective Sergeant Harry May, from the Major Investigation and Review Team, said: “This triggered a prolonged and vicious attack on Barry where he was punched and kicked for over an hour, having been dragged and left on grassland outside the flat.

“Barry was registered disabled, suffering from severe short-term memory loss, and was unable to defend himself. He didn’t stand a chance from the severe beating that was thrust upon him.

“Throughout the trial the trio tried to blame each other for the attack on Barry, but ultimately they have all been found guilty of murder.”

Disabled: Barry Shillam was beaten to death in a row over cider (Photo: BPM)

Det Sgt May added: “Today our thoughts go out to Barry’s family who are all devastated by his tragic death.

“He was a father of three and had three step children. He lived with his elderly mother, had five brothers and two grandchildren and they all loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed.”

After the convictions Barry’s brother, Stephen Falconer, led tributes from the family and told the Birmingham Mail: “Barry has been torn from our hearts and our lives have been shattered.

“We have to try to rebuild our lives without Barry and that makes us sad, we are the ones who have been given a life sentence.

“Barry was easy prey in terms of his weakness physically and mentally, he would have seen his murderers as friends.

“He was a lovely natured man who enjoyed simple pleasures of life but the harsh reality is that not everyone is as trustworthy.”